YouTuber Secretly Records His Emotional Coming Out To Mom

​YouTuber, Ryan, came out to his mom in October and secretly recorded the entire exchange with his laptop.

Check out how his mother responds to the emotionally charged news.

Explaining his decision to record and share his coming out, Ryan says:

I made this video because when I was contemplating coming out for the last year, I found other similar videos of people coming out to family members on a hidden camera really helpful. I noticed that there weren’t very many of these videos, so I wanted to create my own to help other people in the same way that I found these videos helpful.

If you’ve created a similar one, I guarantee you I’ve seen it, so thank you so much for helping me. My mom reacted in an amazing way, and I really hope that all of you have a similar experience.

What do you think of Ryan's decision to share his big moment with the world? And what are your thoughts on his mother's response?

Odd that a person who uses the word "thus" would type "sort a" instead of "sort of" and put an 's' on the end of "anyway".

Aside from that, it must make you feel good to judge this guy's entire character and self-worth based upon a body image that you think he should have in order to be a worthy gay man. It is that kind of thinking that degrades our community in the eyes of greater society. You should truly be ashamed of yourself. And everyone should be so lucky to have a parent as supportive as his mother. Do not mock this moment. It is a step in the right direction for our society. Thinking like yours takes us two steps back.

This is absolutely beautiful. I can't wait for the day that all sexual orientations, and all people as a whole are treated with equal rights and respect.

I've noticed that a few people caught the mother saying she didn't like gay pride parades and such like that. I don't think she meant it as 'don't ask, don't tell.' Naturally I can't know for sure, but I believe she more so meant that one's sexuality shouldn't be paraded around, because it shouldn't matter. Different sexual orientations shouldn't be viewed as an issue, and therefore such parades shouldn't be necessary.

Unfortunately, we're not quite at that point in acceptance and equality. One day, hopefully soon, we will be. Until then, let there be parades! We've got to get the point across in the most positive manner possible.

When all is said and done, she appears to be a very loving and caring mother. That is unconditional love, and that is how all parents should be.

Also, pay no mind to the closed-minded utters of those who come here to criticize based off of their own self-righteous beliefs. Not all Christians are ignorant bible-thumpers who claim that anyone who does anything that goes against their personal belief system will burn in hell. I for one, am a Christian who believes that all sins are equal in the eyes of God, and therefore homosexuality- if it is a sin at all- is no greater a sin than than the lies and hate spouted by those who claim to be righteous people of God.

Judge not, for you are not above any human who has or ever will walk this earth. Also, if you're judging this guy, or anyone else for that matter, I hope you know that you're a bastard and if anyone's damned to spend an eternity burning, it will be you sizzling like a steak marinated in your own judgmental hatred. <3

Love your mom. My son came out to me when I was driving. lol. He was lucky I wasn't one of those parents who freak out, or we would have been in the ditch. I just reached across the seat and held his hand and told him I will always love him. My son changed my world and made me see it in living color. Best thing that ever happened to me.

This is so sweet! First of all thank you for sharing this!!! Your Mom ROCKS!!! You are lucky to have her as she is so lucky to have you as a son! This was just wonderful, and by the way , you are a very handsome young man! Good luck in all you endeavors!!! Again, thank you! I wish my Mom was this way when I first told her.......

Trust me you are so lucky. I wish it was same for me. I need someone who would know about me and my reality and trust me its hurting me a lot these days as i am not very angry with myself for being a gay as i cannot live a happy life. Love u r mother a lot and give her a tight hug from myside.

I've always heard that there is a sort of scale that ranges from completely gay to completely straight. If that's true I am about as close to completely straight as you can get. I was also raised in the Roman Catholic Church and have heard all of the things that are wrong about being gay. I am definitely conservative as well (on most issues). That being said, I have all the respect in the world for you for the hardships you have to face, and for having the courage to share this emotional moment with the world. While it might not be the easiest journey (which is upsetting) I'm truly happy for you for being able to be yourself and I hope you can be happy too.

Sincerely,

A straight, catholic, conservative that it is completely ok with people being gay

That's what being a parent is all about. Even though it's not something she fully understands and embraces...YET...she fully embraces her son and validates the love she feels for him. Who could find fault in that? Not sure I agree with doing this in front of the world, but I loved seeing it happen in just this way. Brought tears to my eyes and many happy memories of coming out to my daughter.

Her response is EMBLAZENED in my mind for eternity..."I don't care, Dad, I just want you to be happy." Priceless!

My son came out to me a few months ago during a car ride home from school. I'm sort of ashamed because I asked him if he was bi at least 3 times during that conversation. I have 3 boys and he's the one who's the best dad material -- I mean he's just heart-warmingly wonderful with babies and kids. That's why I hoped for that possibility--I just wanted him to be able to get some babies without hassle. Must be my DNA's knee-jerk response.

There was also the fact that I thought he was kidding -- a few days before I'd been reading an article about how the more boys in a family the more likely one of the younger ones would be gay. I said something at dinner really dumb like "golly I better keep producing boys because I want a gay one. They're so nice to their moms."

Heck yeah, he is so nice to his mom.. He's 16 and I'm still waiting for him to turn into an adolescent jerk. (Actually his older brothers are nice people too).He asked me if I had any idea he was gay. Nope. None at all. He kept saying really? None? The only thing I could come up with: he keeps his T-shirts folded when he puts them in the drawers unlike his brothers and father and he replaces the toilet paper roll--clearly not following the XY pattern in our house.

Unlike Ryan's mom, I want him to tell other people--maybe march in a parade wearing one of his nicely folded tee-shirts. He is longing to find a boyfriend but since he's in the closet with everyone except a couple of friends immediate family, it's going to be really tough.

I hope my boyfriend will be able to come out too. His parents/family don't know (might be). On the other hand, my family knew and they accepted the fact of who I am in love with. They were judgmental at first but time came for them to accept it. I am just proud of you Ryan! Just like your mom, LOVE became so powerful to accept facts in life whether it may be confusing, out of our scope of knowledge, or even painful. It is the love that letting us accept things about being gay; it is love that letting us more caring and concern about the person himself to be self-aware of avoiding to get sick/infected with HIV; it is love that letting us live still amidst of the truth; and it is love still that keeping the faith without the complete understanding of how a gay person is going through. Again, congrats! just always be safe....that is the least thing we can be of support as you traverse life ahead.

@ryan: i want this comment to be as positive and down-to-earth as it can be... well, that's a great video of you coming out to your mother... it's sounding like she's very accepting of you... and it's great that you have some family and friends to support you through your ups-and-downs... also, i want to thank you greatly for putting you coming out video on instinct or you tube it was inspiring and since i came out in 1995, i've never seen someone actually come out, heard stories about it. but that is... i watched your video and again and i found something you might have missed in the moment... i know that she'll love and definitely support you because your her son, but i noticed your mother stated she "didn't like parades and those gays running around partying and taking pride of their selves", or something like that... i am not jumping to conclusions or going to put thoughts into either of your heads of what may or may not happen in the future....

well, i made hints about a gay guy we both knew and i wanted to know what she thought about him. i really can't remember what she said about him. but i think it was positive! anyway... we went to six flags over st. louis one day. and after having a great day of fun; i come out of the closet on the drive home... she didn't say much but she almost drove off the road.. a few months afterwards we were talking about sex, boys/men and whatnot. you see, i told my mother last because she had friends who were really religious...

then, a year came by, suddenly she found jesus, and she kicked me out of her house because i was gay... to be honest, they've always known i was gay... they knew i was sexually abuse by my grandfather because it had always been a deep dark secret.. in junior high, the put me into counseling, because they had some confirmations that i was gay. then, the last thing she did was have me talk to this feminine music teacher whom his classmates thought he was gay.. we talked for awhile and he only confirmed the rumors that he was gay.. a few years later, saw him back stage at a performance and he kissed another gay guy, looked at me and didn't say a word... such a bitch...

anyway, i digress... you never know what information your mother will find or direction she'll be sent... you have to keep up with the new news on aids (advanced hiv) protection and cure.. try to almost always use a condom especially when you're the bottom... some people who are negative take the new aids prevention drug called truvada)?) so they can bareback... barebacking is great BUT it only takes one time to get aids... so, don't take the risks... also, read stuff relating to gay and homosexuality and try to remember what the bible says about homosexuality... to be honest, the bible says NOTHING(!!!!) about homosexuality... all the people who are trying to condemn you to hell have no idea what they are talking about... just walk away... those people are religious psychotics, almost as bad as fred phelps... religious zealots who are direct spawns of satan himself... you all make fred phelps and the westboro church proud because you act just like them those are two phrases you can use towards the bad religious people.... they just want to convert you into being straight... you were born that way just like you were born a white male... don't be violent but don't take shit from anyone... find your nearest gay community group; they will be able to help you with community resources and "supplies".. HA! anyway... e-mail me if you need more advice...

I caught that "parade" comment, too. I hope that the rest of the video is more indicative of her future behavior with her son.

On another note, how sad that this had to be such an emotionally wrenching thing for him to do. I never had to think about how my parents would react because I was "straight". I hope the day comes SOON where we can just be who we are and not have to "come out" of anywhere!

Really well said Katie K! I honestly couldn't have said it any better myself, especially the last part which resounds in my ears and hopefully the any more readers, who come across it!

"A day when WE can BE who we ARE and Not 'come out' of Anywhere"

I believe it was John Mason, who once said;

"You Were Born An Original

Don't Die A Copy "

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else, is the greatest accomplishment “– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Until that day, a day when so called Peace On Earth is attained, sadly there are and will remain, millions of copies only few will achieve, nearing to an end of their life, dying as an Original.

As for the rest? They too, like the Plastic mindless zombies which inhabit Hollywood Boulevard, and beyond.. Will replicate over and over, never to cease from being a total Fraud.

That is the true tragedy in this life.. Prejudices, Hate, Misunderstanding, Misplaced Anger and Envy all play their parts, allowing for the continued Homophobia and other forms of Propaganda. It's up to Us and Many more Gay, Bi or even Straight, for Behind the black and white canvas of Life, lies a truly beautiful portrait; Colorless, and Free from Fear, through Lies which Destroy, holding us back from achieving our true potential as Human-Kind. Unity through Acceptance. Love borne of Freedom by releasing our inner demons and embracing our Destiny.

i just wish there was even the possibility of my parents reacting this way. i know they forced my aunt into silence about this her whole life.. something i only found out recently from Her when i came out. they wont accept me. or anyone like me. they teach my little siblings that its weird and wrong and i try to counter correct them but im only home so often.. i just want a supportive mom like that..

I never came out to my mom. She died before I could. I was married, had four children, and was over 40 before I finally had the courage. Of course it was a shock to my wife and children, and took some time to get past the anger. The Tyranny or Social Expectations is what my friends call it, and it has great power over people. I envy young people, at least those that live in a more educated part of the country or world. My mother in law, accidentally, told my father. I had intended not to tell him (he was in his 80's and I thought I'd just let him live out his life without that additional stress. But his reaction? "What took him so long"? I know even if you are in an area of the country that is accepting, and even if you have great parents, that it is still hard to go through this. Ryan, your life is going to be so much more joyful now. No more hiding, no more watching what you say. The more people you tell, the more comfortable your life will become. And if someone doesn't like it, then they are not worthy of you. LOVE AND PEACE.

AN OPEN LETTER to the BISHOPS AND HIERARCHY of the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH and to my former classmate from St. Louis Preparatory Seminary South in St. Louis Currently Timothy Cardinal Dolan IN New York City

IT is with the utmost of love and with total respect for you and your office that I write you today... My heart has been very heavy since I read your letter to all of us Roman Catholics regarding the same sex equality issue that we are confronted with and that now has passed..and become LAW.It is with deep regret I as a practicing Roman Catholic cannot seem to obey your request to pray my rosary each day and surround the Capitol with LOVE in my heart for what you tell us issomething which may not be acceptable in the eyes of our Holy Mother the Church as YOU yourself have interpreted Christs teaching. Actually your excellency as a matter of fact in reading my bible for over 60 years I never once found the word "gay" or the word "homosexual" anywhere in print in either the OLD TESTAMENT or the NEW TESTAMENT so please correct me if I am wrong.SO since there has never been one word uttered in print in the bible regarding being GAY or a HOMOSEXUAL I am a little bit perplexed by your decree here to go forth and with love in our hearts try to convince my legislators that same sex marriage is wrong in the eyes of Mother the Church and it seems to me personally that this issue has nothing to do with "religion" but is truly and totally a "civil rights issue!"Now you have the benefit of having studied the bible all these years and for some reason I have never understood how anyone can truly show LOVE in his heart like Jesus said to all of us all inclusively " LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF" and go forth and teach all nations to call ME BLESSED. That has nothing to do with two people who fall in love with one another whether they are heterosexuals or homosexuals .Mary Mother the Church simply is here to teach Gods word and anything to do with a "CIVIL MARRIAGE" which is a contract between two "consenting adults' is in no way shape or form going to affect anyone who is already a person of high moral fiber and one of faith who has loved and cared for and given his life to serving others in our church as well as in our community...SO since you and the Roman Catholic Church have spent millions of dollars around the country trying to """legislate morality"" in an area where there is no need for this I find your take on this same sex equality issue morally offensive..and I will tell you why...For your information I am whats called a "DUPPLESSIS ORPHAN!" Yes thats right you might wish to google it if you have never heard of such a moniker but I will brief you your eminence on what that really means... You see your eminence when I was born I was left on the doorstep of an orphanage in Montreal- Quebec - Canada called Creche D YOUVILLE. NOW it might be interesting for you to note that I spent the first four years of my life under the direct supervision of the Roman Catholic nuns and Roman Catholic priests who were there and at any given time there were at least 2000 ""babies"" who were left in this orphanage where I lived. The well known Dr. Josef Mengele was there to head up the mutilation and experimentation and eventual deaths of over 220,000 babies who in fact were tortured beyond belief by various methods used such as pouring gasoline on our bodies and then taking cigarettes and lighting them and shoving them up against our bodies and they performed lobotomies and they shoved chemicals into my body to evoke some reaction which was convulsions along with horrific experiments that you couldn't possibly dream might be used to torture and mutilate and maime little tiny babies and I repeat the tiniest frames of which I was one of those whom they used in their experiments .. This was with full knowledge of the VATICAN since Dr. Josef Mengele had left Auschwitz where my brother it so happens he was born in Auschwitz - and I think you may have heard of that place called Auschwitz Germany.. Well my brother spent the first three years of his life as a tiny baby being tortured exactly like me under the auspices of that guy named oh yes Dr. Josef Mengele. Some how my brother and I were allowed to survive and we both were the adopted sons who were taken to the midwest where I also was finally adopted and taken into the same loving Catholic Family... SO may I say in fact it is YOUR ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH of which ""you"" are so highly committed to doing what you think might be right as YOU yourself interpret the laws of your religious persuasion and somehow I think you might have it just a tad bit wrong here.You see when my brother who survived the horrible atrocities of Auschwitz as a tiny baby was liberated from that camp as whats called a """DISPLACED PERSON" he never had any reason to have been tortured under such hideous circumstances.by a Genocidal maniac AS DR. JOSEF MENGELE. NOW HOW CAN YOU YOUR EMINENCE A PERSON OF THE CLOTH WHO IS CLOAKED and steeped in religious dogma and faith and AND WHO openly touts that there will be terrible problems if same sex marriages are allowed in society - how can you seem to be so hell bent on stopping such ""LOVING COMMITTED SAME SEX COUPLES" to be married when somehow I think you have not been too kind and caring and I think somehow you have missed the boat on truly practicing the words of Jesus by truly showing and instilling "LOVE"" and instead you seem to want to bring however you interpret the teachings of Christ as YOU see it to people who may not agree nor may not even have any faith or belief in any higher power and this seems to truly amaze me that someone who is steeped in the rich traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and all the vast amount of teachings of faith and the dogma and principles of true LOVE somehow seem to have taken a hike when it comes to the history of the Roman Catholic Church.. I am quite mystified that you feel that society will go down and the sky will fall when same sex loving committed couples will bring our society to a hideous and screeching halt... But now will you personally tell me your excellency where were your priests and nuns who in fact were the so called BUTCHERS themselves who tortured me and 220,000 tiny babies where were these religious priests and these nuns who were supposed to be saying their rosaries and taking care of us as you suggested say those rosaries and I have been saying my rosaries all my life but how does that equate with your line of thinking such as do unto other as you would have them do unto you....,You see your eminence it is with heartfelt love I tell you my story because I feel like you might have missed this one somewhere along the line and maybe it was simply not revealed that the bible of which you speak and the good book which we all aspouse to follow has ever helped anyone who was so totally deprived of his humanity and since I was unable to say the rosary for myself those first four years I wonder if you and or anyone of your cohorts in crime had ever thought of possibly saying the rosary for all of us who were tortured and maimed and wounded and cursed and spat on and oh yes we were also used for sexual exploitation and OH I am at wits end here wondering where was Jesus when my brother and I were so tortured and brought into your living hell at birth where is this awesome GOD>>??If its up to you of course you will simply do as the rest of the Roman Catholic hierachy of the church has done for hundreds of years and simply ignore it so it will go away and not think about such things as its far more important to stop a man or woman from falling in love and being committed to one another oh my GOD its so horrific they must be stopped and it is so horrific to think of two men loving each other so much they want to commit to that love in marriage.. How can this happen that people would have such LOVE in their hearts that they might want to commit to each other.. What you have told me is YOU have really told me to my face - now OK thats ancient history so get over it.. And you have told me by your letter here that Oh we simply want what we want and we don't get into that historical stuff - FOR some strange reason I have """""never""""" seen the LOVE you speak of from the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH and I have prayed my rosary after I was allowed to become a Catholic and kept my religious affiliation for 60 years you have not seemed to show me COMPASSION or KINDNESS OR CARING even though I have extended myself to YOU and to our MARY MOTHER THE CHURCH and have also been a 4th Degree Knights of COLUMBUS giving so much time and energy to such worthy causes . I have yet to feel anything from you that you tout as LOVE and I only feel degraded and maybe used and abused and maimed and wounded and scarred and left with burn holes on my body and oh I am so sorry if I have been committed to truly LOVE in my heart for those who tortured me and I am so sorry to have shown LOVE for all my fellow man and I have nothing but LOVE for my captors and for everyone in the Roman Catholic Church who tortured me and killed 220,000 tiny innocent babies I am so sorry I have not been able to OBEY your request now because somehow I think your asking me to deny my own humanity again and oh yes I know exactly what you are doing now its simply the same words I heard way back then''' YOU are simply following orders"-- Now I get it so you your eminence are simply following orders from whom I don't know but your superior HIS HOLINESS just said lately "" IF Two men love one another and they wish to commit to marriage WHO am I to judge?" And His holiness said in fact" """LEAVE THEM ALONE the gays are Gods children and they don't need to be tortured and mutilated for something which is natural as they never had a choice yes being gay is not a choice.""". Thats your boss the HOLY FATHER SPEAKING your eminence! BY the way your eminence my brother and I have forgiven everyone- totally---my brother and I have forgiven you totally- and we have no animosity towards anyone of good high moral fiber --- but we WILL NEVER FORGET!SO it is with LOVE in my very own heart your eminence I tell you I have tried Lord precious Jesus I have tried to show YOU consideration and LOVE and kindness all my life and I have lived up to the standards that I was taught by two loving parents who wanted me and adopted me and my brother each from our very own HOLOCAUST and I have a feeling now the Roman Catholic Church has gone a tiny bit astray in their ways since they seem to feed on something we will never have in our hearts and its HATE.YOU see your eminence I have taken my life and my brother and I have totally forgiven YOU and everyone who tortured and maimed us in any way shape or form -and I said we have FORGIVEN THEM and we forgive YOU as a member of that church...... we spread LOVE and I don't seem to understand how you have been able to spread anything but HATE as long as you believe yourself that there can be nothing such as LOVE of two people who might be the same sex - simply because it is an affront to your beliefs and your dogma it simply ok for you to spread totally ill will and HATE.I have no regrets and I will never spread anything but LOVE in my heart to all mankind which is not what comes from HOLY MOTHER the CHURCH! They do not practice what they preach! SO I suggest your eminence that as you have pointed out to me in your letter to me if you truly LOVE mankind and you truly have some belief system in place that deprives humanity from any kindness and caring for same sex couples then I feel that you need to keep that to yourself and don't spread those beliefs to others who may not agree with you.In the meantime I will always keep you and my beloved fellow gay brothers and sisters in my thoughts and prayers and I sincerely wish you a very long and happy life in whatever belief system you employ...and maybe just once in your life you can possibly find it in your own heart to forgive me and maybe you can some how someday make an accounting to me personally and if not well to the big guy upstairs because I know how I am with HIM and I know I am loved by Jesus in a very "SPECIAL WAY""" and my brother and I have no ill will towards anyone and we love our creator and we know our GOD AND HE will never allow you or anyone else to take your hideous and despicable HATE and the killing machines you used to torture both of us and do anything related to what we have been through ever again in this life and with love in our hearts we will always be here to forgive but NEVER FORGET.....I want you to know I will always LOVE and HONOR and OBEY my KING and MY GOD and I will not harbor any feelings of HATE towards anyone whether its the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH or anyone associated with them I have NO HATE in my heart for anyone...I took my plight and turned it to LOVE and to JESUS and I suggest you take your beliefs and take them to Jesus and not spread that belief to other men of good will... I would only hope you have it in your heart to make a final accounting now and maybe you can finally find it in your heart to apologize to me for what you see as Gods way and Gods will and your dogma and faith tells you its perfectly ok to deny humanity their God given rights to love whom they please and finally now its time for YOU to obey your boss as long as it seems now you are not quite in line with your own BOSS. I think its time for you to redirect all your energies and really do as your boss tells you directly to do now "" Leave the Gays alone and if one so loves another of the same sex who am I to judge??I think you better start listening to your boss when he says ""Its ok to have same sex marriage equality! " I think somehow you might have strayed a little bit from the truth here and its with the utmost of LOVE in my heart I tell you that I hope and pray you will find it in your own heart to forgive me for not obeying the decree of your letter since at this time in my life you cannot ask me to do this since I think I have been through enough of your preaching and teaching which do nothing but harm and show divisiveness and HATE for all human kind.. I feel like if you had to go through what my brother and I did you would have a little bit better perspective on MANKIND and GODS REAL """""LOVE""""" and HIS teaching about true LOVE for all humankind not just your tiny assessment of what ""you"" feel is morally right and is steeped in your own dogma and faith of the truest words of GOD and thats LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF.My brother and I love you and we will never have one ounce of ill will towards anyone of true faith and high moral fiber and we will totally continue to OUT LOVE YOU even as you still continue to deprive humanity of their God given rights to LIFE - LIBERTY and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESSS. You simply don't want anyone to be LOVED but yourself and its ok to be mean spirited to tell us that we should go your way when I don't think your way seems to be one of truest deepest LOVE but more kind of on the hateful side and maybe you can possibly explain to me personally why you and your awesome ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH were allowed to KILL and perpetrate TORTURE and DEATH to the tiniest of babies to the tune of over 220.000 under the direct decree from the VATICAN you need to answer for something so grave as this before you spread such HATE for so called same sex relationships steeped in LOVE.... for these are CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY for which you seem to think its ok - so I think the issues you take up are a tiny bit off since there is nothing to be harmed when two loving people who commit to each other need not your CHURCH to make that happen....... ??Its high time to answer for your CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY FIRST before you start working on equality issues that have nothing to do with your CHURCH.Jesus is the one who will judge you and me and Jesus will be the only one who tells me to my face what I can do with my own body and whom I shall love and commit to on earth now.YOU need to somehow clean house now and answer to your BOSS!Gods peace and love and fondest best to you and yours with the utmost of LOVE and RESPECT for you and the Church I simply say go forth and teach all nations to call ME BLESSED and don't interfere with what GOD almighty has made so PERFECTLY OK and thats GODS given choice to have same sex marriage equality and not YOURS.May you find true LOVE in your heart for all of Gods children and not let your beliefs be spread onto an otherwise LOVING committed HUMANKIND who needs peace and not your HATE and divisive leadership to truly keep on killing mankind -aloha with fondest peace and light and love sincerely RICK PIVA .- R

I don't like that Mom says she 'doesn't like people broadcasting their sexuality'-- the maternal version of 'don't ask, don't tell'.

So Ryan's mom still has a way to go. As euphoric as it it when we first get the courage to live honestly, many of those who claim to be cool with us when they are first told will find excuses to exclude us from their lives in the months and years that follow.

Ryan is off to a great start, he's made the most important step. But there will still be some bumps in this road.

Great start? A great start to spending the rest of eternity burning in the lake of fire.. But it doesn't surprise me. Everything that is transpiring in the world today was predicted in the Bible years ago. Yes there will be bumps in the road. As long as there are God fearing men and women who believe in what the Bible teaches us will stand up and fight for what;s right, there will be bumps in the road. He admitted that he is gay, that doesn't make being gay is right. The Bible teaches us that it is a SIN..

Oh Rueben, enough with the bible thumping. I had that shoved at me for the first 19 years of my life and honestly, it's soooo outdated. Move along with the rest of us into the modern world of acceptance and non discrimination. Gay isn't wrong, so therefore it IS right. Your homophobic attitude is what's wrong.

Out dated? Every thought you are having and what you are saying was foretold in the Bible centuries ago. Move along to damnation is what you are really saying. I am not discrimitive against gays. I love everyone and think they should have the same rights as anyone else. But you or anyone can never ever convince me to go against GOD and say being gay is right. If you want to burn in hell, thats your decision, Not giving the devil credit, but he his doing a awesome job gathering all he can to do his biding before his time is up, What this world needs more than ever before is prayer, YES I am Bible thumping and will continue to do so, I am not all that perfect and realize my sins, and ask for forgiveness. I will not accept what I know in my heart and soul is not right just because I what to move along with the rest into the modern world of acceptance,

Out dated? Every thought you are having and what you are saying was foretold in the Bible centuries ago. Move along to damnation is what you are really saying. I am not discrimitive against gays. I love everyone and think they should the same rights as anyone else. But you or anyone can never ever convince me to go against GOD and say being gay is right. If you want to burn in hell, thats your decision, Not giving the devil credit, but he his doing a awesome job gathering all he can to do his biding before his time is up, What this world needs more than ever before is prayer, YES I am Bible thumping and will continue to do so, I am not all that perfect and realize my sins, and ask for forgiveness. I will not accept what I know in my heart and soul is not right just because I what to move along with the rest into the modern world of acceptance,

This is the text of the letter waiting for my son should he ever come out to me (which i suspect he might). He is currently 7. I wrote it tonight after i watched this.

'To My Son

Its December 2013 as I write this and youre 7 years old. Ive been thinking a lot about you as i always do. Youve been handed this letter because youve come to me with some news and i want you to know my response to this is not new or spur of the moment and that ive felt like this for a long time.

I want you to be with someone who loves you. I want you to be with someone that respects you. Someone who makes you laugh and who comforts you when you need it. Someone who supports your goals and your dreams and gives you the freedom to be the beautiful person you are.

As long as they fit those criteria, i could care less about anything else. Ive always accepted you for who you are..who you are now when im writing this and who you are when you read this. Being gay changes none of that.

I never got to come out to my mom. She outed me to herself. She was crying on the couch one day when I was 16 so I sat to comforter her. I asked what was wrong and she was saying taxes this, house payment that, finally in the end she blurted she was worried my twin brother and I are gay(we are). It was awkward, so I didn't say anything, but after that I started bringing my boyfriends home to meet her.

Ryan, congratulations on taking the first hard step to the rest of your life. The great thing about life is easy steps come in-between the hard steps, and easy steps are usually far more plentiful than the hard steps. My coming out was not as loving as yours, but that's my coming out and I've come to terms with it. I've had several other comings out that I've had to deal with. I'm a gay, HIV+, recovering Crystal Meth addict and alcoholic, and professional drag entertainer. Talk about coming out huh? Gratefully I've been lucky to find support for all of my comings out, sometimes from strangers. So if you ever find yourself in need of someone to understand, or listen, or help guide you in the right direction I'll do my best for you or anyone else who may be struggling. Dbtsipt@yahoo.com and if you ever find yourself in Boston, MA I'd love to meet you. You're a brave young man and tell your mother she is an amazing woman and give her a hug :-)
Ashley Michael

My mother was so understanding, she said I always new and I will forever love you, people don't choose who they fall in love with, the only thing that scares me is the thought of someone hurting my baby because he happens to love another man.....I will remember these word my mother said for a life time, i was so lucky to have a wonderful supportive family, my mum was is and always will be my rock a true lioness who has shown me how to be brave and a respectful human being, I wish everyone a happy coming out story and remember it does get better....

Ryan, you and your mom are so great and you are very lucky to have her. My mother said "I will not be telling anyone here about this" and was in total denial. My whole family except for a cousin didn't and haven't had anything to do with me. But luckily I have many accepting friends that I consider my true family. I really wanted to hug you watching this, even the dog knew something was up. Take care and keep us posted on how things are going with you and how your dad responds. I know you will be alright. Much love. Greg

Probably the lamest 'coming out' I have ever seen. I had to know his mom was going to okay with it, he was trying to make it a bigger deal then it ever was. DRAMA QUEEN!!! Save the hardship for those of us that have no relationship with family because of sexuality. Be grateful you have a mom that is so cool, has opposed to one that asks you "are you sure?" 12 years later.

That's pretty mean man. He obviously loves his mom, and had been mulling it all over in his head for a while now. He is crying from relief and being able to let go of all the all the pent-up anxiety! He would have been terrified to think she would have had a problem. She is very sweet, I'm always a bit jealous of people with moms like that. As for you, try to be a little kind, don't let your own bad experiences embitter your soul to such an extent that you can't be happy for other people.

Compassion and love do miracles for the fear that we are somehow flawed gay or not.

Congratulations on your courage and strength. It truly is all about love. If my son came out to me I should hope to be as loving and caring as your mom. I hope you are always blessed with great love and understanding through your life.

He's lucky. My moment came after my 2nd nervous breakdown and first suicidal incident. Couldn't speak to anyone for two days and when I was finally able to say something. Mom was hurt but accepting and dad pretended nothing ever happened. I was 19. As soon as I could, I moved as far away from home as possible so I wouldn't be an embarrassment to the family (I have 3 brothers). It took time, but as time went on and they realized it was who I was and it was what it was, I'm just one of the family and I happen to be gay. That was 1978... times have changed.

I was 15 when I told my mother I was gay. She said if she ever saw me again she would kill me. That was 43 years ago, and I have never seen or spoken to her since that day. I'm truly glad this went well for you, this is how it should be. Best wishes to you both!

I think that the most important thing is to know that all parents want for their kids is to truly be happy. and we know living in this society the hate and the hard life you have to live to love whoever you want to love will not be happy. and will always be mocked or treated differently. I think that is the hardest part of being a parent knowing that your lifestyle will be a difficult one.

parents only want the best for their child.

This is from a Single puertorican mom who was raised in a Roman Catholic church...its all about LOVE!

Good job Ryan! I know it takes a lot of courage to come out to loved ones but you get such a sigh of relief once they know right? Like this giant weight has been lifted from your shoulders. If you ever need to talk just send me an email! My door's always open. :)

This is very empowering to any person gay or straight! I give Ryan huge props to be able to do something like this! I could never imagine anything like this being a straight woman...but the idea and story behind it this was something he was battling with inside him to tell his mother and he had the courage to do so! Ryan you are very strong and your mother is amazing and every parent should be like this for their children!

Ryan...my coming out was horrible. I'm so happy for you and the hope that you are giving younger people by coming out this way. HUGE Kudos to your mom for being amazing. God Bless you and your whole family!

Blackness, you're a complete and utter asshole. I hope you DO have a child that's gay. Wait, actually for his sake, I hope you don't. You're are the kind of bully that make kids hang themselves. Screw you and your intolerance and hate.

Darkeness, stop being so jealous and just come out, Didn't you know that Homophobic Men are most Aroused by Gay Male Porn? No? Then I suggest you read this.... Homophobia is associated with sexual excitement by male-on-male sex. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-big-questions/201106/homophobic-men-most-aroused-gay-male-porn

Really, Patrick and Craig? Really? He just came out to his mother, which was obviously very hard for him, and all you two can brood over is how attractive he is? And shame on you, Craig, for exploiting such a sentimental moment between he and is mother. I am a gay man, and it's not difficult to see that this guy is attractive; however, there is a time and place for everything. Flattery, and your own personal perversions, have no place in this situation. So, please, let us not continue to give the gay community a bad reputation with your imprudent, distasteful comments.

Ryan, you and your mom make me very happy. I am a 61 year old gay man and grew up in very different circumstances. Both of my parents were Free Will Baptist ministers and the last time my mother hugged me or gave me a kiss was when I was 5. That was the way our father wanted it. Being homosexual was terrifying, especially when you heard both of your parents condeming it from the pulpit! Eventually my family had me committed to the Missouri state mental institution to have me "fixed". And then there were the long years of loneliness and alcoholism! But then things began to change....quickly! Today I have 25 years of sobriety and am surrounded by more friends, who are my family, than I ever imagined. The weight that was on my shoulders is now a long distant memory. Everything that happened to me was based upon a lie and ignorance. In seeing your experience, and the response of your wonderful mother, my heart is filled with more joy that I EVER expected when I was at your tender age. Your mother is right, of course. You're still the very same guy you were before......except now a weight that never should have been there is now gone from your shoulders. God speed Ryan!

All any person coming out wants is to still be loved by the ones that they love and to not disappoint their parents. It is a true tragedy when a child's parents are also their first bullies. Congratulations Ryan on a loving family!!! Very heartwarming. It's also very cute when the dog makes an appearance.

This is a very sweet video. Congratulations Ryan for making your first steps "out of the closet" that will continue as long as you live. As a 45 year old "out" gay I still need to tell some people I don't know when it matters for whatever situation I am in. I don't "look" gay so people assume I'm straight unless I tell them.

For the commenter Papi - this is not a hate jab at you, just a reminder this world is not about YOU and how you think it should be. Ryan is a young man who is just coming out; he has told his best friend, cousin and mother, has not yet told his father, and you sound like you expect him to be running his own GLBT teenage suicide prevention help center, advising on school GSA programs and feeding gay homeless youth. How much of that you do - or do you only post self-important comments? You do not know what Ryan will do in the future - this is where he is at now, doing what he said he wanted to do in posting this early stage coming out video. Good for him and I think this is very brave, not at all selfish. Papi - think about others and where they are in their lives before you criticize them and lay your own values, expectations and for all I know regrets upon them. I do not know you or your story - I am only reacting to your (in my mind) poorly chosen words.

Wow this video makes me think of when I came out to my own mother. I am an openly gay black man who loves white & hispanic men and my ex blackmailed into telling my mom and that was the scariest experience ever. However, it was the greatest decision she was completely supportive but completely shocked. To anyone in Ryan's boat always remember this " you'd rather someone hate you for who you are than love you for someone you're not". As long as you have that attitude on life you'll make it. Ryan you're an amazing person and very, very, very brave and I thank you for making this video because it trully is beautiful.. Have a wonderful life my LGBT brother.

Your Mom is one special lady...she truly knows "unconditional love." I wished my "Mom, I'm gay" was this beautiful...it wasn't.

And, by the way, your Mom is not just telling you you're handsome because you're her kid...you are HOT, my friend and (obviously) have a good soul and that makes you a burnin' love. I love "I loved you when I first met you."

The one thing I hope, is that as Ryan continues with his life, he changes his mind about "if he could choose, he would choose the easier". Just because folks are heterosexual, that doesn't make their lives easier. Everyone has challenges. Just ask Britney. It all gets to be so much more fun when you don't give in to the drama we all enjoy injecting into our lives when we are young. We also begin to not let what other people say bring us down so much. I wish you a fabulous and fun life Ryan. It's gonna be great.

@Papi....you call Ryan selfish and say he should reach out to others instead of filming his own coming out....well this is one way he is trying to reach out to others (guess you didn't stop long enough to read his statement at the end as you were too busy judging). I alos know that Ryan does a great deal of work trying to help others who may feel they don't have the support they need when coming out...check out his organization called "The Friend Movement"....I was very lucky to have understanding parents who accepted me when I came out, but I also had a friend who was kicked out by his parents when he came out to them, and I took him in when he had no where else to go until he could get on his feet and make his own way....I applaud anyone in our community who tries to help another....way to go Ryan!!!

Hi, Michael. Ryan is selfish. He didn't consider his mother's feelings prior to his coming out announcement (maybe she didn't want to be filmed? maybe she would have preferred to change her clothing or be filmed in a different position than on her back on the sofa?) He may actually be a great guy. I hope he is. His mother seems to think he's a great guy, so he is definitely blessed to have a positive relationship with his mother. His being a nice guy who does nice things does not change the fact that he is selfish. Do you need further proof of his narcissism: why start your own organization instead of learning how to work with and network with other organizations already in existence? Be careful, Michael. Just because you like someone does not mean you give them a pass when their behavior is inappropriate. I'm glad Ryan is loved; I'm glad he has a great relationship with his mother; I'm glad he feels accepted; I'm glad he is helping others (as you state). I do wish him the best. None of the things that make me glad, though, negate the fact that his actions on camera were selfish. Happy Holidays, Ryan and Michael.

For all of the amazing things that have occurred in the past two decades to change people's attitudes towards the LBGTQQIA community AND in no disrespect towards the way in which the mother states, "Oh, yes, honey, I will always love you. I'm sure," BUT, I do find this video trivializing and selfish. I find Ryan selfish. Not everything has to be broadcast to the world and not everything counts as "reality" tv. Ryan has a good mother and a great relationship, it appears, with her. God bless him. Let the allegedly-liberal hatemail against me commence, but I would consider Ryan less selfish if he were to focus his energies on reaching out to those youth who don't have the support he does. Film that.